Duterte says UN ‘inadequate’, cites need for reforms

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday hit the United Nations f(UN) or being “inadequate” in addressing global crises that “demand effective global governance.”

In his pre-recorded speech before the 76th UN General Assembly, the President said the UN is a “product of an era long past” and no longer reflects the current “political and economic realities.”

“We face multiple crises that demand effective global governance. Yet, our institutions, including the United Nations, have proven to be inadequate,” he said.

“The UN is a product of an era long past. It no longer reflects the political and economic realities of today,” he added.

Duterte said the UN failed to uphold concepts of democracy and transparency, citing as an example the UN’s Security Council, which, he said, is “neither democratic nor transparent in its representation and processes.”

“Many member states have spoken firmly and we agree: This simply is not right. If the UN is to lead the world out of the many crises we face, things need to change,” Duterte said.

“The UN must empower itself, by reforming itself. Therein lies the hope for humanity,” he added.

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